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10 Best Countries That Double Up As Top Food Destinations

Travel shows and YouTubers have teased our palates for years. This has brought about a travel trend—culinary or food tourism. A vacation for the brave; where local, exotic food leads you cities and regions that is generally off the tourist grid. You may have visited the following countries, but food tourism opens you to a different experience. Read till the end for services that will ease your travel woes to these top food destinations.

What Is Food Tourism?

Traveling across the world to eat or drink—participating in a food or beverage experience other than dining out. It includes visiting a cooking school, signing up for food tour, or shopping in a local grocery or gourmet store. Like any travel package, food tourism packages offer itineraries to suit your budget.

Traveling chefs, travel shows, cooking competition, and multitude of YouTubers traveling the world in search of local flavors, food tourism is garnering steam especially is these countries. Satiate your appetite, witness unique cooking techniques, and indulge in local cuisines at these top food tourism destinations.

Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine is simple, but fresh ingredients used bring out a burst of flavors. The dishes feature elements of fermented fish sauce, fresh herbs, cane sugar, the juice of kalamansi citrus fruit or tamarind and chilli peppers. When in Vietnam these are some of the must-have among a variety of dishes available across the country:

Com tam

Nom hua chuoi

Mi quang

Cha ca

Cao lau

Pho

Bun cha

Banh xeo

Banh mi

Goi cuon

China

China is one of the biggest countries, so each region has its own version of the popular foods. However, to experience the true essence of the dishes, Chinese culinary scene can be divided into:

India

Indian food is as diverse of the traditions, people, and terrain. Indian food is available across the globe, but the flavors do not match up with the dishes available in the South Asia country. Spices are the core ingredients, but fresh vegetables, lentils, and legumes (pulses) is integral in India, making it predominately-vegetarian country. However, India has a fair share of succulent meaty dishes that ignite your taste buds like never before.

Briyani

Vindaloo

Dosa

Alo ghobi

Paratha

Palak paneer

Butter chicken

Lassi

Rajma

Sambar

Chole

Greece

Greek food is one of the most influential cuisine in Europe, but traders from the east also influenced it. It is inspired and aspired over the centuries, especially during the height of Greek power. It is predominately a Mediterranean cuisine that incorporates olives, olive oil, herbs, fish, vegetables, and simple cooking techniques that bring out the zest of the ingredients in every bite. So, include these dishes on your culinary expedition:

Amygdalota

Baklava

Bougatsa

Courgette balls

Santorini tomato fritters

Greek coffee

Galaktoboureko

Moussaka

Spanikopita

Tiropita

Yemista

Philippines

Filipino dishes have few essential ingredients—it is either sweet or sour, pork is a favorite, and Chinese, Malaysian, Spanish, Indian and Western cuisines influence it. Meat and seafood dominate Filipino food, so it is the perfect place for carnivores. Through Filipino food you discover the culture and traditions adopted from trader and colonials. When in Philippines indulge in:

Sisig

Lechon

Kare-kare

Longaniza

Buco pie

Adobo

Tapsilog

Halo halo

Bagnet

Bicol express

Korea

Kimchi and hot pot are the few things that pop in your mind when you think of Korean food. However, there are numerous Korean dishes waiting to be discovered. Most of the dishes comprise red chili paste, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red chili flakes. Owning to Korea’s drinking nature, several foods cater to it, but there are several authentic and traditional dishes you need to try:

Tteokbokki

Army stew

Gopchang

Bibimbap

Gamjatang

Sundae

Ox Bone Soup

Doenjang jjigae

Galbi

Bossam

Japchae

Montenegro

This small Balkan country is diverse in terrain and cuisine. Garlic, meats, and grains are integral to the dishes on Montenegro. Come for the food tourism, but stay for the picturesque beaches, lush mountains, and relive history in the medieval villages. The dishes you need to include on your food trail should be:

Burek

Kacamak

Cevapi

Montenegrin Lamb in Milk

Black Risotto

Ispod Saca

Buzara

Njeguski Steak

Njegusi Proscuitto

Sweden

IKEA and meatballs are synonymous with Sweden. Besides indulging in meat, Sweden loves seafood. Discover the marriage of herbs and fish only in Sweden as they take it to a new level. While meandering through the streets, palaces, and churches, gorge on these delectable dishes:

Cinnamon buns

Raggmunk & Lingonberries

Marinated Salmon with Dill Potatoes

Crayfish August

Crisp Bread

Chives and Sour Cream

Smörgåsbord

Gubbröra

Toast Skagen

Yellow Pea Soup

Princess Cake

Mexico

Tequila and tacos is what Mexico gave the world, but there is more to it that yet to be explored. When in Mexico, tourists thrive along the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico beaches, but like its diverse landscape of mountains, deserts and jungles, Mexican food is an amalgam of tradition dishes with Spanish influence. Explore some of the unheard of foods in Mexico such as:

Cabrito

Carne en su jugo

Taco envenenados

Escamoles

Pambazos

Pay de elote

Mole poblano

Pan de muerto

Mollete

Pozole

Japan

Sushi is one of the biggest exports from Japan, however, food tourism takes you beyond this global favorite. Besides the amazing hospitality, culture, and architecture, Japan serves an array of dishes that include pork, beef, seafood, rice, and vegetables. Using minimal ingredients, Japanese cuisine is a must-try, especially these dishes:

Tempura

Wagashi

Unagi

Soba and udon

Tonkatsu

Kare raisu

Ramen

Okonomiyaki

Miso soup

Gyudon

Yakitori

Food tourism is the latest travel trend to see the world and explore the local flavors. What you also need for a hassle-free flight to any of these countries is airport assistance. We offer translator, car transfer, fast track, meet & assist, baggage handler and much more. These airport services ensure you have a comfortable journey as you explore different cuisines.